Where you set down your mat does matter. Don't think that standing in front means you'll get the best view of the instructor -- he or she will spend much of the class walking around to correct poses. And although hanging in the back might be more comfortable for your new-to-yoga ego, McGee says beginners can get lost without a clear view of the poses.

And another thing: wearing baggy clothes and loose t-shirts that fly up over your face half the class is not only embarrassing, it'll also distract you from the poses. You can't properly downward dog if you're trying to tuck your shirt into your pants.

The Fix: Instead of cowering at the back of the class, praying the instructor doesn't come around to "fix your form," McGee advises that you pay for a few one-on-one sessions -- it's worth it. "That way, you can make sure you're doing the exercises correctly and pushing yourself hard enough," she says. In a group class, stand in the middle, where you can see advanced students in front of you.

And invest in some spandex -- trust us, they're way more comfortable than those baggy pajamas you're wearing.